FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The $100,000 grant will fund the renovation of MOM’s House to better support women reentering the workforce after incarceration
Phoenix (July 1, 2025) — St. Joseph the Worker (The Worker), a Phoenix-based nonprofit that helps people overcome barriers to employment and achieve self-sufficiency, has proudly been selected as one of 100 community-nominated organizations nationwide to receive a 2025 Lowe’s Hometowns project grant. Now in its fourth year, Lowe’s Hometowns is the company’s fire-year, $100 million commitment to repairing and restoring millions of square feet of community space.
The funding will support the renovation of 1125 W. Fillmore, known in the community as MOM’s House, a transitional residence offering safe housing and job-readiness support for women reentering society after incarceration. Operated through The Worker’s Workforce Villages Reentry (WVR) Program, MOM’s House plays a vital role in helping participants stabilize their lives, secure employment, and successfully reintegrate into the community.
“This home represents so much more than four walls. It’s a second chance for women who are ready to rewrite their stories,” said Carrie Masters, CEO of The Worker. “We’ve seen women completely transform their lives through this program, gaining stability, confidence and the tools they need to truly reenter society. Thanks to Lowe’s, we’ll be able to expand this life-changing work and continue to prove that a person’s past does not define their future.”
The WVR program was born from a partnership between The Worker, the Televerde Foundation and Andre House to meet the urgent needs of women leaving Perryville Prison. Participants begin with 30-45 days of structured transitional housing and wraparound job support. Once employed full-time at $18/hour or more, they graduate into The Worker’s Workforce Housing program, saving 80% of their income and completing financial literacy and meal prep training. As of July 2025, 17 of the program’s first 21 participants have successfully transitioned into their own housing at market rate, an 81% success rate that far exceeds national averages. Today, 9 women are actively participating in the program.
In addition to national funding, Lowe’s red vest associates will contribute to the renovation through volunteer service days, transforming the space into a welcoming, empowering home for future program participants. Lowe’s Hometowns projects nationwide aim to expand capacity for food pantries, improve transitional housing and revitalize parks and safe gathering spaces, reflecting a deep belief in building stronger communities through hands-on service.
For more on the Lowe’s Hometowns program, visit lowes.com/hometowns or follow #HowLowesHelps on social media.
For more information or to support The Worker’s Workforce Villages Reentry (WVR) Program and other initiatives, visit theworkeraz.org.
About St. Joseph the Worker
St. Joseph The Worker (The Worker) was formed in 1988 in response to the unhoused community saying, “We want to work, but don’t have the resources.” Since then, The Worker has been forging pathways to self-sufficiency with employment at the core, believing the only way out of poverty is a paycheck. Common barriers clients face when looking for and upon finding stable employment include access to transportation, money for interview and uniform attire, lack of certifications for the role and stable housing. By breaking down barriers clients often face when job searching, The Worker is providing an opportunity for clients to build a sustainable life free of government assistance. To learn more about The Worker, visit theworkeraz.org, or follow @TheWorkerAZ on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.
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